Interview with Hiroshi Wada
BIOGRAPHICAL HIGHLIGHTS
1967
Born in Iizuka city, Fukuoka and raised in Kyoto
1972
Started learning calligraphy at the age of 5
1989
Graduated from Kindai University
1997
Started to study under Ryosetsu IMAI
Started creative process with a focus on exhibitions
2011,2012,2014
Selected for the Nitten Exhibition (the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition)
2017
Withdrew from all the organizations belonged to, deciding to exhibit own works to the world
2019
Participated Art Expo New York
2019
Held a solo exhibition at Agora gallery, Chelsea New York
2019
Participated in a group exhibition “Collection” at Jelmoni Studio Gallery, Piacenza Italy
2019
Participated in a group exhibition “Rhythms of Emotions ” at Galleria 360, Firenze Italy
2019
Participated in a group exhibition “Imaginibus” at BASILICA DI SANT’AMBROGI, Milano Italy
2019
Participated in a group exhibition“The Illusion of Reality”at Trevisan International Art, Bologna Italy
used to be:
A judge at the Nihon Shogei-in Exhibition (Japan Calligraphic Art Society)
a member of Sessinkai
A member of Kyoto sho-sakka-kyokai (a calligrapher association in Kyoto)
A representative for H.W. ART CLUB
2019
Participated “Red Dot Miami” Miami USA.
2020
Participated in a group exhibition“AAF”at SuperStudio Più, Milano Italy.
2020
Participated "Art Marbella 2020" Marbella Spain.
2020
Participated in a group exhibition“Lost in Art”at Galleria 360, Firenze Italy.
2020
Participated in a group exhibition " Collective art show " at Van Gogh Art Gallery, Madrid Spain.
2020
Received the Artist of the Future Award presented by CONTEMPORARY ART CURATOR MAGAZINE 2021
Selected as Finalists in Art Rights Prize of the first Digital Award for Artists.
2021
Participated in a group exhibition "New Art" at Galleria 360, Firenze Italy.
2021
Participated in a group exhibition "KROMATIC@RT" at M.A.D.S. ART GALLERY, Milano Italy.
used to be:
A judge at the Nihon Shogei-in Exhibition (Japan Calligraphic Art Society)
a member of Sessinkai
A member of Kyoto sho-sakka-kyokai (a calligrapher association in Kyoto)
Currently:
A representative for H.W. ART CLUB
Could you please introduce yourself and tell us how you started in the arts and your first experience in art-making?
I started traditional Japanese calligraphy when I was five. I like writing letters when I was small, so my parents decided to let me enter a calligraphy school. At the age of thirty, I studied under Ryosetsu Imai and started to exhibit my artworks. Finally, when I became fifty, I decided to show my works to the world.
How would you describe yourself and your artwork?
Though it is avant-garde art, I want my works to be readable and understandable as a word, and impressive.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I am giving my attention to all familiar things. For example, cracks, dirt and even graffiti on a concrete wall.
What emotions do you hope the viewers experience when looking at your art?
It depends on each work, but basically, I would like my viewers to be happy and hoping for world peace.
When do you know that an artwork is finished?
I would never think my artworks be finished until my death. In my mind, completing an artwork means “perfect”. I will keep working hard for my goal to make perfect artworks.
What has been the most exciting moment in your art career so far?
My master, Ryosetsu Imai praised my works that I made freely. And, when I won a prize at the Japan Fine Art Exhibition.
How long does it take to produce one work?
I paint about 100 same artworks to decide one from them. So it usually takes 1 or 2 months.
Do you have any upcoming events or exhibitions we should know about?
I will participate in Artexpo New York in 2021.
Official website: https://www.hiroshiwada.jp/
